U.S. patent application number 12/524323 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-02 for vacuum cleaner nozzle.
Invention is credited to Johan Fahlstrom.
Application Number | 20100218339 12/524323 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39644709 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100218339 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fahlstrom; Johan |
September 2, 2010 |
Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle
Abstract
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle for cleaning of
surfaces such as floors, comprising a rotatable, elongated brush
(5), which is provided with brush means and located close to an air
inlet opening to the vacuum cleaner. The brush is rotatably driven
and adapted to rotate during cleaning to brush off debris and dust
from the surface or to accomplish agitation of the surface. A first
end of the brush is adapted to be mounted in the vacuum cleaner
nozzle by moving the brush in an axial direction, while a second
end of the brush is adapted to be mounted in the vacuum cleaner
nozzle by moving the brush in a lateral direction, wherein the
second end of the brush is maintained in a recess (13) by means of
a releasable blocking element (7). The blocking element (7) is
quick releasable without any need for a tool.
Inventors: |
Fahlstrom; Johan;
(Sollentuna, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1900 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1109
US
|
Family ID: |
39644709 |
Appl. No.: |
12/524323 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
January 23, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE08/00056 |
371 Date: |
April 14, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60886853 |
Jan 26, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/0477
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/383 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/26 20060101
A47L005/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 23, 2007 |
SE |
0700159-7 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner nozzle for cleaning of surfaces such as floors,
comprising a rotatable, elongated brush (5), which is provided with
brush means and located close to an air inlet opening to the vacuum
cleaner, wherein the brush is rotatably driven and adapted to
rotate during cleaning to brush off debris and dust from the
surface or to accomplish agitation of the surface, wherein a first
end of the brush (5) is adapted to be mounted in the vacuum cleaner
nozzle (3) by moving the brush in an axial direction, while a
second end of the brush is adapted to be mounted in the vacuum
cleaner nozzle by moving the brush in a lateral direction, wherein
the sec- and end of the brush (5) is maintained in a recess (13) by
means of a releasable blocking element (7) positioned over the
recess, characterized in that the blocking element (7) is
releasable without any need for a tool.
2. A vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in
that the blocking element (7) is releasable by means of a quick
release actuator (20).
3. A vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in
that the quick release actuator (20) is spring (21) actuated
towards a locking state.
4. A vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized
in that the actuator (20) comprises a ratchet element (16), which
can go into engagement with a mating hook element (17) on the
blocking element (7).
5. A vacuum cleaner nozzle according to any of the claims 2-4,
characterized in that the blocking element (7) comprises a
projecting portion (18) in one end, which can go into engagement
with a slot (19) in the vacuum cleaner nozzle.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle for
cleaning of surfaces such as floors, comprising a rotatable,
elongated brush, which is provided with brush means and located
close to an air inlet opening to the vacuum cleaner, wherein the
brush is rotatably driven and adapted to rotate during cleaning to
brush off debris and dust from the surface or to accomplish
agitation of the surface, wherein a first end of the brush is
adapted to be mounted in the vacuum cleaner nozzle by moving the
brush in an axial direction, while a second end of the brush is
adapted to be mounted in the vacuum cleaner nozzle by moving the
brush in a lateral direction, wherein the second end of the brush
is maintained in the recess by means of a releasable blocking
element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is previously known vacuum cleaner nozzles of different
types having a rotating brush mounted in the vicinity of an air
inlet opening to the vacuum cleaner. Such vacuum cleaner nozzles
are sometimes used for regular vacuum cleaning, wherein the
rotating motion of the brush is utilized to facilitate the vacuum
cleaning by brushing debris and dust towards the air inlet opening,
or to agitate the surface of a carpet to facilitate dust removal.
Brushes are also used in carpet cleaning devices, wherein their
rotating motion is utilized to accomplish agitation of the carpet
surface, on the one hand for enabling working in of a cleaning
agent between the carpet fibres, and on the other hand to
facilitate releasing of the cleaning agent together with dirt from
the carpet, after a desired time period after application of the
cleaning agent, to permit withdrawal by the air flow through the
air inlet opening.
[0003] However, one disadvantage associated with such rotating
brushes is that debris and dust tend to adhere to them which can be
difficult to remove. It is especially long and flexible items, such
as hair and threads, that tend to get stuck. Once hair and threads
have adhered also dust tend to accumulate on the brush. This is
disadvantageous in that the brushing action will deteriorate and
the accumulated debris will interfere with the air flow to the air
inlet opening. To overcome this disadvantage it is known vacuum
cleaner nozzles having a rotating brush, which has been made
releasable from the vacuum cleaner nozzle in order to make it
possible to release the brush from the nozzle and in this manner
facilitate cleansing of the brush, after which the brush can be
mounted in the vacuum cleaner nozzle again.
[0004] In these known vacuum cleaner nozzles, the brush is mounted
in the vacuum cleaner nozzle in that a first end of the brush is
connected to a driven wheel, wherein one of the driven wheel or the
brush is provided with axially extending projections, while the
other is provided with axially extending recesses, such that the
end of the brush can be connected to the driven wheel by moving the
brush in a substantial axial direction towards the driven wheel. A
second, free rotating end of the brush is mounted in the vacuum
cleaner nozzle by moving the end of the brush in a lateral
direction into a recess in the vacuum cleaner nozzle. When the
brush is in its intended position in the recess, the second end of
the brush can be locked in the vacuum cleaner nozzle by means of a
blocking element, which is placed over the recess and locked by
means of a screw fastening.
[0005] However, one disadvantage with this vacuum cleaner nozzle
having a releasable brush, is that some form of tool, such as a
screw driver, is required to release the screw for dismounting the
blocking element. This is a disadvantage for the user, which maybe
do not have a tool ready to hand when needed. Thus the user either
has to go and get a tool or to use a substitute for a tool, e.g. a
knife, a coin or the like, to be able to unfasten and tighten the
screw. It has also been found that the engagement formation, such
as a screw driver slot, tend to wear out after some time of use,
especially when using a tool which is not adapted for this purpose,
such as a knife or the like. It is also common that users do not
understand that the brush is releasable by loosing the screw,
resulting in that the brush remains clogged by debris and dust.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a vacuum cleaner
nozzle having a rotating brush, which is easy releasable for
cleansing. At least this object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner
nozzle according to claim 1.
[0007] Accordingly, the basis for the invention is the insight that
the above object may be achieved by arranging the rotating brush
quick releasable from the vacuum cleaner nozzle by means of a
releasable blocking element, in particular a quick releasable
blocking element. In this way it is facilitated for the user to
remove the brush from the vacuum cleaner nozzle without the need
for any tool, to cleanse the brush from debris and dust and
subsequently reassemble the brush on the vacuum cleaner nozzle.
[0008] Within this overall inventive idea, the invention can be
implemented in many different ways. In a hereinafter described and
in the drawings shown embodiment of the invention, one of the ends,
the driven end of the rotating brush can go into engagement with a
driven wheel in one of the ends of the nozzle by means of
projections, which projects in the axial direction of the brush and
goes into engagement with axially extending recesses in the driven
wheel such that the wheel and the brush can be brought into
engagement with each other by moving the brush in a substantially
axial direction towards the driven wheel. However, it is evident
that the projections also could be arranged on the driven wheel,
whereas the recesses can be arranged on the brush. In the other
end, the free rotating end, the brush is provided with an axle
spindle, which is rotatable journalled on the brush. The axle
spindle has a square outer cross sectional shape and can be laid
into a rectangular recess in the nozzle, having two opposed plain
walls being in parallel to the extension of the brush, by moving
the brush laterally towards the nozzle. A releasable and lockable
blocking element is positioned over the rectangular recess, such
that the rotatable journalled axle spindle is prevented from being
removed from the rectangular recess. In this way the first end of
the brush, is driven by the driven wheel, by means of the
projections and recesses being in engagement, while at the same
time the brush is prevented from falling out from the driven wheel
due to the axial extension of the projections and the recesses and
that the brush is prevented from axial movement due to the
rotatable journalled axle spindle abutting an end wall of the
rectangular recess. In the second end of the brush, the rotatable
journalled axle spindle is prevented from rotating in relation to
the nozzle due to the engagement between the square shaped axle
spindle and the rectangular recess, such that the brush is rotated
in relation to the axle spindle having the effect that the brush
will be rotary journalled in this end.
[0009] However, it is to be understood that also this second end
could be formed in different ways. The positive locking between the
axle spindle and the recess could for example be achieved with
other shapes than the square cross section of the axle spindle and
the recess, e.g. with a triangular cross section of the spindle,
which goes into engagement with a V-shaped recess in the nozzle.
Also in this way the rotatable journalled axle spindle would be
prevented from rotating in relation to the nozzle. However it would
also be conceivable to let the rotatable axle spindle be circular
in cross section, which is seated in a semicircular recess in the
nozzle, and allow some rotation between the rotatable axle spindle
while the main rotation occurs between the rotatable axle spindle
and the brush. It is also possible to dispense of the rotatable
journalled axle spindle and to position an axle end of the brush in
an axle bearing in the recess.
[0010] The blocking element is an element separate from the brush
that is positioned over the recess in order to cover it and
maintain the end of the brush in the recess. Also the blocking
element can be formed in many different ways. In a hereinafter
described and shown embodiment, the blocking element is locked and
released by means of a separate actuator having a release button.
In one end the blocking element has a projecting portion, which is
inserted in a slot in the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The other end of
the blocking element is formed with a hook element, which in a
locked state is in engagement with a ratchet element in one end of
the actuator, which is spring actuated towards the locking state.
However, the blocking element and the actuator, as well as the
engagement between them, could be formed in many other ways. For
example it is not necessary that the actuator is spring forced
towards the locking state. Instead the actuator could be formed as
having two different positions, namely one locking position and one
releasing position. It is also possible to form the blocking
element and the actuator as one unitary element, i.e. in the
locking position the combined blocking element and actuator blocks
the recess for the second end of the brush, wherein in a releasing
position it is displaced from the recess such that it is open. In
the described and shown embodiment of the invention, the blocking
element is substantially flat and thin, as a cover or the like.
However, it is to be understood that the blocking element could be
formed in many other different ways. The blocking element in the
described and shown embodiment of the invention is also an element
that can be removed from the nozzle. However, the blocking element
could also be an element connected to the nozzle by a hinge
connection or a pivoting connection or the like, which connection
would allow the blocking element to be moved from a position
covering the recess to a position not covering the recess, but
where the element is still attached to the nozzle.
[0011] As mentioned before, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be of
different types. As for example nozzles adapted for vacuum cleaning
alone, or nozzles adapted for carpet cleaning and hence agitating
of the surface for working in of a cleaning agent into the carpet
and subsequent brushing up of the cleaning agent from the
carpet.
[0012] The word brush shall in this application not encompass only
what is traditionally meant by the word brush, such as devices
having projecting bristles arranged in different ways, such as
helically or spread out, over its surface, but also devices having
flexible lamellas or blades, such as rubber lamellas or blades, or
devices having a felt like material, or devices having a soft or
flexible material, such as foam, arranged in different ways, such
as helically or spread out, over its surface, or any other device
displacing debris and dust towards the air inlet opening, or
agitating the surface to be cleaned in order to either facilitate
dust removal from a carpet or the like or to enable working in of a
cleaning agent in a carpet in the case of a carpet cleaning
device.
[0013] The driving of the brush can be accomplished in different
ways, i.e. by means of a separate electrical motor or a turbine
wheel, which is rotated by the air flow through the air inlet
opening and which in its turn drives the driven wheel by means of a
suitable mechanism, e.g. a shaft and a driving belt.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] An embodiment of the invention will be described
hereinafter, by way of example, by reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according
to one embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the
vacuum cleaner nozzle according to FIG. 1,
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view according to FIG. 2 with the
rotating brush removed from the vacuum cleaner nozzle;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the driven end of
the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the brush;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the free rotating
end of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the brush;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view along the line A-A in FIG.
2, showing the mechanism for releasing and locking the second end
of the brush in a locked state; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a view according to FIG. 6, showing a released
state of the brush.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In FIG. 1 is shown an example of a vacuum cleaner in which
the present invention may be implemented. This vacuum cleaner is of
a so called 2-in-1 type having an elongated, stick formed support
body 1 in which a hand held unit 2 can be mounted, to perform
vacuum cleaning by means of a vacuum cleaner nozzle 3 attached to a
lower end of the support body. The hand held unit 2 can also be
released from the support body to perform vacuum cleaning with the
hand held unit separately.
[0023] In FIG. 2 is shown the bottom side of the vacuum cleaner
nozzle 3. As is evident from the drawing, the vacuum cleaner nozzle
is formed with an elongated slot 4, from which a not shown air
inlet opening extends and in which also a rotatable, elongated
brush 5 is positioned. To facilitate moving of the vacuum cleaner
nozzle over a floor, it is provided with four wheels 6.
[0024] In FIG. 3 the vacuum cleaner nozzle is illustrated with the
brush 5 removed from the slot 4. This can be accomplish by removing
a blocking element 7 by pushing a release button 8.
[0025] Reference is now also made to FIGS. 4 and 5 for a more
detailed explanation of the mechanism for driving and optional
attachment or releasing of the brush from the vacuum cleaner
nozzle. In a first, driving end, the vacuum cleaner nozzle
comprises a driven wheel 9, which is provided with axially
extending recesses 10, as is shown in FIG. 4. In the same end, the
brush is provided with axially extending projections 11, which can
go into engagement with the recesses 10 in the driven wheel 9 by
moving the brush substantially in the axially direction towards the
driven wheel 9. In the exemplary embodiment, the driving of the
driven wheel is accomplished by means of a not shown electric motor
inside the vacuum cleaner nozzle, which electric motor is coupled
to the driven wheel.
[0026] In a second, free rotating end, as is shown in FIG. 5, the
brush comprises an axle spindle 12, which is rotatable journalled
on the end of the brush and which is square shaped in cross
section. The vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a rectangular recess
13, having two opposed plain walls 14, 14' being in parallel to the
extension of the brush, in which the axle spindle 12 can be
positioned by moving the brush in the laterally direction. The
dimensions of the axle spindle 12 and the rectangular recess 13 are
adapted such that the axle spindle 12 is held unrotatable in
relation to the vacuum cleaner nozzle when positioned in the
rectangular recess 13. Accordingly, the brush is held free rotating
in relation to the vacuum cleaner nozzle by the axle spindle 12 in
this end. Moreover, the length of the brush and the distance
between the driven wheel 9 and an end wall 15 of the rectangular
recess 13 are adapted such that the brush can not move in the axial
direction in such a degree that it would disengage the brush from
the driven wheel 9 in the driving end or from the rectangular
recess 13 in the free rotating end. When the axle spindle 12 is
positioned in the rectangular recess 13, the blocking element 7 can
be placed over the rectangular recess 13, wherein a spring actuated
ratchet element 16, connected to the release button 8, goes into
engagement with a hook element 17 on the inner side of the blocking
element 7. In this way the axle spindle 12 is prevented from
disengagement with the rectangular recess 13 and the brush is held
in a functional position in the vacuum cleaner nozzle.
[0027] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 and 7, which are cross
sectional views along the line A-A in FIG. 2, for a more detailed
description of the mechanism for releasing and locking the second
end of the brush in the vacuum cleaner nozzle 3. As apparent from
FIG. 6, which shows the brush in a locked state, one end of the
blocking element 7 is held in the vacuum cleaner nozzle by means of
a projecting portion 18 of the blocking element 7 being inserted
into a corresponding slot 19 in the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The
other end of the blocking element 7 is held in the vacuum cleaner
nozzle by means of the ratchet element 16 of an actuator 20, which
on the outside forms the release button 8. The ratchet element 16
is in engagement with the hook element 17 of the blocking element
7. The actuator 20 is spring actuated in the outward direction to
the locked state by means of a spring 21. In this state, a contact
formation 22 of the blocking element 7, bears against the square
axle spindle 12 such that the brush is forced into the recess
13.
[0028] In FIG. 7 is illustrated the situation when the release
button 8 is pushed inwards. The actuator 20 and the ratchet element
16 are then displaced inwards such that the hook element 17 is
released. The end of the blocking element at the hook element 17
may then be released from the vacuum cleaner nozzle after which
also the projecting portion 18 can be disengaged from the slot 19
and the blocking element 7 removed from the vacuum cleaner nozzle.
The second end of the brush can now be removed from the recess 13
by moving it in the lateral direction and subsequently also the
first end of the brush may be disconnected from the driven wheel 9
by moving the brush in the axial direction.
* * * * *